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Memories & Candles

“I knew Mary Ruth through her service on the Planned Parenthood board. She was a wonderful, strong and classy lady. I'm glad I had the opportunity to...Read More »
”
1 of 9 | Posted by: Liz Carroll - Indianapolis, IN

“Prayers and love to all of you as you celebrate Mary Ruth's well-lived and well-loved life. I will always remember her kindness, her smile, her warm...Read More »
”
4 of 9 | Posted by: Gretchen Schneider - Indianapolis, IN

“The Family and Consumer Sciences profession, (Home Economics) in Indiana, has lost a former President of the Indiana Home Economics Association and a...Read More »
”
5 of 9 | Posted by: Roma Jean Bradburn - Fishers, IN

“I saw Mary Ruth signing in the choir at Orchard Park recently, and was reminded of her 'can do' attitude toward everything she did. I had the...Read More »
”
6 of 9 | Posted by: Kaye Hirt Eggleston - IN - Friend

“My condolences on the loss of a great woman who supported the poor of Indiana. We will her greatly.
”
7 of 9 | Posted by: Deborah Simon - Friend

“Rob and I have been honored to know Mary Ruth... she was a close friend of our grandmother, Jean Dodds. Mary Ruth was a tremendous champion for good...Read More »
”
8 of 9 | Posted by: Steven Stolen - Indianapolis, IN

“Dear Family of Mary Ruth:I was so sorry to hear of Mary Ruth's passing. As former Senior Pastor of Orchard Park Church, I had the great privilege of...Read More »
”
9 of 9 | Posted by: Gary Ziegler - Bluffton, SC

A longtime Indiana resident, MaryRuth was born in Brookville, grew up in Rockville and in West Lafayette. She graduated from West Lafayette High School, and attained bachelors, masters, and doctoral degrees from Purdue University in the areas of Home Economics and Organizational Communications. She earned her PhD while working full-time as a single mother of four. During her undergraduate years, she became a legacy member of Alpha Xi Delta Sorority, Alpha Eta Chapter. MaryRuth has served the chapter and participated in the national conventions throughout her whole life.

Always leading by example and doing what needed to be done, MaryRuth had a rewarding career in Alumni Relations with both Purdue and Rutgers Universities. At Rutgers, she became the very first woman to become a vice president in Alumni Relations, pioneering the way for others. MaryRuth was dedicated to the advancement of women, and devoted decades of service to Planned Parenthood, her sorority, and various women's leadership organizations. MaryRuth was an active member of the Presbyterian Church; serving Central (Lafayette), Orchard Park (Fishers), and White Water Valley Presbytery. She especially enjoyed liturgical arts (Banner Bunch), the church choir, and women's a cappella singing group, Sentimental Sounds. In her retirement, she invested years of volunteer service in Indianapolis Public Schools by providing administrative support.
MaryRuth loved life, family, and friends. She had a sense for occasion; organizing and hosting many special events throughout the years. She was especially known (and loved) for her elaborately decorated birthday cakes, hand-designed Christmas cards, and performing the Chiquita Banana song upon request.

Dearly loved and greatly respected, a service celebrating her life will be held at Orchard Park Presbyterian Church, 1605 E 106th Street, Indianapolis, on August 18, 2018 at 1:00 PM, reception following. Everyone is encouraged to wear something blue to honor Mary Ruth's signature color. Thoughts and memories can be sent to Olivia.Snyder@gmail.com or posted: www.mccombandsons.com In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to her church or Planned Parenthood of Indiana/Kentucky. She will be at rest with her parents and husband in Grand View Cemetery, West Lafayette.

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Memories & Candles

I knew Mary Ruth through her service on the Planned Parenthood board. She was a wonderful, strong and classy lady. I'm glad I had the opportunity to know and admire her. Heartfelt sympathy for her family.

Posted by: Liz Carroll - Indianapolis, IN - Friend Jul 19, 2018

Truly an amazing woman as so happy to know her through Alpha Xi Delta, our fraternity. Sad for our loss.

Posted by: Jean Leider - Andover, MA Jul 18, 2018

Words that come to mind when I think of Mary Ruth: compassionate, justice-minded, Presbyterian, humble, leader, intelligent, determined, inspirational, steady. There are many others. I will miss Mary Ruth sitting beside me at Presbytery assembly meetings recording minutes, sharing a laugh with that twinkle in her keen, alert eyes. Well done, good and faithful servant. You will always be a blessing.

Posted by: Kristy Quinn - Indainapolis, IN - Friend Jul 16, 2018

Prayers and love to all of you as you celebrate Mary Ruth's well-lived and well-loved life. I will always remember her kindness, her smile, her warm hugs, and gentle but challenging spirit. I loved serving with her on Presbytery Committees and talking with her about our common interests ~ Purdue, Planned Parenthood, and sharing the Snyder name. She will be missed by so many, I am thankful she was part of this journey we share. She will always be loved.

The Family and Consumer Sciences profession, (Home Economics) in Indiana, has lost a former President of the Indiana Home Economics Association and a supporter of the organization and participant in the profession. We enjoyed her attendance at our 2008 Centennial Celebration in Indianapolis. I personally worked with her on the BOD/Council of IHEA during her tenure as our president in 1974-75. Our condolences to her family. Roma Jean Bradburn

Posted by: Roma Jean Bradburn - Fishers, IN - friend Jul 15, 2018

I saw Mary Ruth signing in the choir at Orchard Park recently, and was reminded of her 'can do' attitude toward everything she did. I had the pleasure of serving many years with her on the Committee on Ministry of the Presbytery of Whitewater Valley. She was an inspirational leader, and always worked to be inclusive in her endeavors. My best to her family, especially Betsy and Jeff--we miss you, too!

My condolences on the loss of a great woman who supported the poor of Indiana. We will her greatly.

Posted by: Deborah Simon - Friend Jul 12, 2018

Rob and I have been honored to know Mary Ruth... she was a close friend of our grandmother, Jean Dodds. Mary Ruth was a tremendous champion for good things and was in regular attendance when I performed. Her friendship with Jean was rich and Jean shared that friendship with Rob's parents as well as the two of us.Mary Ruth ... a very bright light who's memory will shine on. PeaceSteven Stolen and Rob MacPherson

Posted by: Steven Stolen - Indianapolis, IN - Friend Jul 12, 2018

Dear Family of Mary Ruth:

I was so sorry to hear of Mary Ruth's passing. As former Senior Pastor of Orchard Park Church, I had the great privilege of serving with her in ministry. Her visionary approach and strong faith made her an outstanding Elder. Through the years, I appreciated her wise counsel. We had great fun coordinating sermon themes and the making of beautiful banners for the church. I am sure Mary Ruth's contributions in many areas of service will be greatly missed.

Becky joins me as we surround you with our thoughts and prayers.

Rev. Dr. Gary G Ziegler

Posted by: Gary Ziegler - Bluffton, SC - Friend Jul 11, 2018

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